John 8:31-36 (NRSV)
Read John 8:31-36 on biblegateway.com
Verse 31Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; Verse 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." Verse 33They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, 'You will be made free'?" Verse 34Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. Verse 35The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. Verse 36So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
Devotion
Jesus told the people, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." What is this "word" in which they should continue?
First, this word speaks the truth about his identity. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12; see also John 1:4-5, 9)
Second, the word speaks to how they should respond to this truth: "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another ... just as I have loved you. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples." (John 13:34-35)
Being "descendants of Abraham" did not make them "free" from sin. Being "born of God" in the new birth makes us "new creatures" (2 Corinthians 5:17) and means living in the "word" that keeps us free.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, keep us steadfast in your word. Amen.